Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
How often do you make purchase decisions based on the carbon footprint of the company that makes the product? I try to consider things like this, but it’s not easy.
Much of what we buy, from toilet paper to the clothes we wear, is made by some of the largest companies in the world. Companies that are big enough to make an impact on our planet. But who holds them accountable?
Gary Hirshberg, chairman and former CEO of Stonyfield Farm, an organic yogurt producer in New Hampshire, saw how disinvestment in South Africa eventually ended apartheid. He thought why not develop a scorecard that shows how companies are doing with carbon footprint?
That’s when Climate Counts was born.
Climate Counts, a nonprofit, is a collaborative effort to bring consumers and companies together in the fight against global climate change. As Climate Counts project director Mike Bellamente tells me, they score consumer-relevant companies in 16 readily identifiable sectors – everything from airlines to pharmaceuticals. Companies are scored on a 0-100 scale based on 22 questions over 4 criteria to determine if they have:
- MEASURED their climate “footprint”
- REDUCED their impact on global warming
- SUPPORTED (or suggest intent to block) progressive climate legislation
- Publicly DISCLOSED their climate actions clearly and comprehensively
Take a quick look at this neat infographic (click on it to make it bigger). How are your favorite brands doing when it comes to climate change?
Green means the company is doing well or “striding”. Yellow indicates the company is “starting” to address its climate impact. The red indicates the company is “stuck” and there’s some work to be done.
Climate Counts also give consumers the opportunity to raise their voice against those companies who might not be up to par. You can email companies directly, via the Climate Counts website, to let them know you’re watching them and that their scores matter to you. Climate Counts provides sustainability consulting through their Industry Innovators program. There’s also an app you can download on your smart phone so you can look up scores and raise your voice on the go.
Mike noted in our conversation that the scorecard does have its flaws. It doesn’t measure social aspects, for example. But it is a start. And it is a tool to keep companies accountable.
Are you concerned about climate change? What steps do you take to fight climate change?
This is SO timely for me… I’ve been thinking about the huge disconnect between teaching people to care about the environment, and helping them understand how huge an impact they make on the world every time they buy something. Thank you for bringing up this major issue!!!!
Cynthia recently posted..Wolf Presentation at Gertrude Boyden Wildlife Refuge in Taunton, MA
i thought you would appreciate this post, Cynthia. Climate Counts is based in NH. They posted a great video on their Facebook page yesterday. It was a political spoof called “F@#K Science” or something to that effect. May have been via HuffPo.
anotherjennifer recently posted..My Earthquake Story
Wow! So you’re like a REAL writer. 🙂 Impressive article, as are your other ones. I like that you are making a difference in our world; helping to educate and raise awareness. Thank you for that. Dropping in from SITS!
Haha. I’m not sure what is considered a “real writer” anymore, but I like to think I am. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy to hear you enjoyed my posts!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: “Old” Harpswell, Maine
Congratulations on your SITS day. I hope it’s a fabulous day for you.
Thanks for this info. Definitely something to think about.
misssrobin recently posted..My Kind of Fairy Tale
This is pretty interesting! I’m very passionate about environmental issues. It’s a great article!
To answer your question, yes, I’m concerned about climate change. But it breaks my heart to see people (specially politicians) don’t want to even talk about it. As if it’d just go away, if you ignore it. Have you seen the ‘Frontline’ ep. on Climate? It’s pretty interesting! Here’s a link if you want to see:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/climate-of-doubt/
BTW.. visiting from SITS. Congratulations! 🙂
Farah recently posted..Faux Coiled Rope Coasters
Thanks for the link!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Vote Like You Mean It